Unity Hall reaches target with £420k from government fund

Wakefield’s Unity Hall has reached its fundraising target after the government stepped in.

Community cooperative Unity House Wakefield Ltd had already raised £4m towards turning the building, on Westgate, into a multi-purpose music and arts venue.

Last week the group still needed an extra £100,000 to buy sound and lighting equipment ready for opening in autumn this year.

And this week they were given £420,000 from a £5.5m Department for Communities and Local Government community assets fund,

The facility will boast a 600-seat music and theatre hall, offices, exhibition space, a function room, new businesses, a cafe and conference facilities.

Around 200 people have already invested in a community-share scheme to help finance the transformation of the hall, which was built in the 19th century for the Wakefield Wholesale Co-operative Society.

Minister for communities Stephen Williams said: “Right across the country people are taking control of how their community is run, from setting up neighbourhood plans, deciding on new development in the area to taking over local services.

“The money will help treasured community assets provide leisure and cultural facilities for the future.

“It will also create jobs for local people, helping to build both a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

Visit www.unityhallwakefield.co.uk or call 07968 968862 for more information about the project.